Patrick Robinson, New Orleans Saints Agree to Four-year Deal

PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 21: Patrick Robinson #21 of the Philadelphia Eagles returns an interception for a touchdown during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 21, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Though they missed out on tight end Jimmy Graham, the New Orleans Saints are committing to a reunion with another former player.

Cornerback Patrick Robinson is expected to sign a four-year deal with the Saints, according to a report by NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport. The deal is worth $20 million, including $10 million in guaranteed money.

This is a surprise: #Eagles CB Patrick Robinson, due to be a free agent in 2 hours, is expected to sign a 4-year deal with the #Saints. Back where it all began.

The transaction came by surprise, considering that the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles were working towards a new contract for the veteran defensive back. The fall-through of the negotiations allowed Robinson’s former franchise to obtain the starting corner. The impending release of talented, yet injury-plagued, Delvin Breaux Tuesday created a vacancy in the Saints’ defensive perimeter. Already signing safety Kurt Coleman from the Carolina Panthers, New Orleans adds another experienced member to its vastly-improved secondary that already features Pro Bowler Marshon Lattimore and respectable contributors Ken Crawley, Marcus Williamsand Vonn Bell.

Peterson, 30, was coming off his best NFL season, matching career highs in interceptions (four) and passes defended (18). His increased efforts were the catalyst of him grading out as an 89.8 by Pro Football Focus, the sixth-best mark for cornerbacks in 2017. His presence, along with fellow former Saint Malcolm Jenkins, was critical for an elite Eagles defense that dominated throughout their title-clinching campaign. His departure will leave a void, but Philly remains formidable with its vaunted front seven.

Drafted 32nd overall in the 2010 NFL Draft out of Florida State, Robinson was the first draft selection by the Saints following their first Super Bowl victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Touted for his speed and supreme athleticism, the former Seminole was brought in to improve a defense that placed 25th overall in 2009. Five seasons later, Robinson ended up being the latest patron of the Saints’ revolving door and cornerback during the Drew Brees–Sean Payton era. Now with 97 career games and playing his personal-best football, he should be a more-reliable asset to a team that is in serious contention for its second championship.